Home Networking
Getting Started
Home Networking: Getting Started
A home network is a group of computers linked together in order to communicate with each other. Computers in a home network can share files, printers, and other services--including an Internet connection.
Making Decisions
The most common purpose for building a home network is to share an Internet connection between multiple computers.
Here are some guidelines to follow when making decisions about your home network:
How should I connect the computers in my network?
Once you have determined the number of computers that you will be networking, you can determine the type of configuration you will need. For more information, see possible network configurations.
How far apart are the computers?
You will need to know the distance between computers so that you can purchase enough cable to span the distance between them.
Which operating systems will you be using?
Each computer needs to be configured correctly in order to make sure that it is properly connected to the network. Each operating system may require a slightly different configuration in order to access the network.
Do all the computers have Network Interface Cards (NICs)?
Each computer that you want to connect to the network must have an NIC card.
To check for an NIC card, verify that your computer has a connection that looks like a large phone jack. This connection may have small lights next to it.
Once you have answers to the above questions, you will know the kind of equpiment you need in order to set up your home network.